So my 2022 Kia Telluride sits outside overnight and the temperature went down to -7 degrees (windchill of -26) last night. It’s really cold. When I started the car this morning, it squealed for about 15 seconds. It did the same thing yesterday morning when it was -2. I’m not due for an oil change until April, but should I be concerned about this? I was planning to have the belts checked during my oil change, but should I take it in sooner to get this checked out?
It’s freezing out there. I get the same thing when I start my car in the morning too, squeals for a bit before it settles down.
It’s probably just because the belts are so cold that they’re slipping a bit. If it stops after the car warms up, you should be fine.
Like others have said, cold belts are common in this weather. I usually park in a heated garage, but last Saturday I was at a friend’s house when it was -17F. My autostart wouldn’t work because I was low on gas, and that was a struggle.
I wouldn’t worry about it unless it keeps happening. These are not normal everyday temps. I’m dealing with the same cold, but I’m lucky to have a garage.
Mine did the same thing for the last couple of mornings in Minneapolis at -12 and -18. No need to worry.
I’ve had mine since 2020, and it’s been handling Wisconsin winters just fine.
My 2023 Kia Niro does the same. But to be fair, it’s been handling Wisconsin winters pretty well.
Checking in for 2025. Can confirm squeal in single digit temps for the first few seconds of a cold start.
Same here. Like a high-pitched hum. The dealer said it’s because it’s sucking in air? Doesn’t seem like a problem, but I don’t like it.
My 2023 does the same thing.
No need to worry. My 2021 EX does the same. It’s just air getting released.
It’s totally normal. Mine does the same thing, and I’ve never had any issues. It’s just moisture freezing, and it needs to melt and get blown out.
Jason said:
It’s totally normal. Mine does the same thing, and I’ve never had any issues. It’s just moisture freezing, and it needs to melt and get blown out.
Please explain more. How does moisture squeal?
@Harper
I’ve read from other owners that moisture can accumulate and freeze in the intake or throttle body. When air flows through, it creates a whistle sound. Once the car warms up, the ice melts and the sound stops. A friend with a Telluride has experienced this in past winters. He got no real answer from his dealership, though.
@fatilo
I’m not sure about that. Air is dry when it’s cold, and moisture doesn’t condense unless the intake is even colder. I’ve spent a lot of time in cold climates, and I’m more used to hearing belts slipping.
@Harper
Ah, yes. You’re replying with ‘I don’t know’ to a well thought-out response.
Jason said:
@Harper
Ah, yes. You’re replying with ‘I don’t know’ to a well thought-out response.
Sorry, I was just trying to politely respond to a post that seems to rely on speculation and not actual facts.
@Harper
It’s not about a belt slipping, but it seems you’ve already made up your mind that it isn’t moisture, even though it could be.
@Harper
Perhaps warmer air around the intake (once the engine has run for a while) could contain moisture that condenses and freezes when the car sits in the cold. The sound is more like a whistle than a rubber belt squealing. Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/jCE09Ov3yQU?si=UB8vC-vMzWtY3Wxs